Children's Lit Newsletter 5/30/2025

I'm so excited to moderate my panel and to see all the other fabulous presentations!!! Please join us this weekend!!

Full schedule and information here:

https://www.baybookfest.org/

Bay Area Book Festival Family Day:

The Social Justice Children's Book Fair is a highlight of the Bay Area Book Festival's Family Day on Saturday, May 31st, 2025.

The fabulous Author/Illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka made this image to support Dr. Hayden. He has made it available for non-commercial use herre:

studioJJK.com/downloads

I remember being at an ALA Annual when Dr. Hayden was on the tradeshow floor. The 'fanpeople-ing' of this incredible woman gave me so much hope and joy.

Our country is under attack, and a lot of it is aimed at making/keeping people ignorant (yes, straight out of the Nazi playbook). Please speak up wherever and whenever you can.

I have an incredible interview with Arthur A. Levine and some of his incredible authors that I need to get posted on my YouTube Channel. I asked for the interview because I wanted to know how this small house has garnered more awards in its five years than many of the larger houses. How do they choose their books? What is their goal?

I'm definitely a huge fan of their catalog and I think this party will be fabulous. PLUS you can donate books to a local school, if you'd like. More information below:

Come celebrate Levine Querido's Five Year Anniversary Party!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/levine-queridos-five-year-anniversary-party-tickets-1342782551759?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join us at Watchung Booksellers: The Kids’ Room for a fun-filled event honoring five years of incredible stories and authors. Mingle with the team that makes the magic happen and the authors and illustrators that make us who we are. Don't miss out on this exciting celebration of literature and community!

The event is open-house style, so stop by any time between 7 and 8:30. We'll have light refreshments, fun door prizes, and, of course, (discounted!) books galore.

Discount rate:

2 books: 20%

3-4 books: 25%

5+: 30%

Authors in attendance: Alexandra Méndez (WHAT THE JAGUAR TOLD HER), Lori Lobenstine (THE BARKING PUPPY), Cat Min (SHY WILLOW; THE LITTLE TOYMAKER; THE SHADOW AND THE GHOST)

Last Day of School Party + Summer Reading Book Fair!

School is out and summer is here! Come and party with Hicklebee’s.

Our Summer Reading launch includes our curated Summer Reading List, a season-long summer reading challenge game, and a one-stop-shop book fair! Booksellers will be on hand to recommend the very best titles in Pre-School, K-3, Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Adult. There will be in-store discounts on all of our books, coupons for future summer reading purchases, and much more! Join us for a fun-filled day of games, giveaways, and surprises.

The party starts at 12 but we will be celebrating until close, so stop on by Saturday, May 31!

• WHEN: Saturday May 31st at 12pm!
• WHERE: Hicklebee's Bookstore
• WHO: You and your friends!
• WHAT: Games, Prizes, Balloons, Coupons, Summer Reading activities, and a live balloon and storytelling talent from 1 to 2:30pm
• WHY: Celebrate the last day of school and pick up all your summer reading and activity essentials!

Dive into the vibrant and inspiring world of children’s book publishing! This two-hour workshop will provide an overview of different genres within children's literature, from board books to picture books to early readers, chapter books, middle grade, and YA. The workshop will spotlight the rewarding aspects of writing for children and provide insights into the various financial opportunities that publishing children's books can offer. Ying, leveraging her extensive experience as a seasoned children’s book author, will share personal strategies and tips to help you refine your work and embark on a successful career in children’s book publishing.

https://www.bookpassage.com/event/how-publish-young-readers-ying-compestine

In this workshop you will explore:

• Different genres of children’s books. Understand the nuances and appeal of various styles of children's literature.
• The personal and financial rewards of writing for children.
• Expert strategies and practical tips to help you navigate the industry and launch a successful career in children's publishing.

Ying Chang Compestine is a nationally recognized authority on culture and cuisine, an award-winning author, and a former food editor for Martha Stewart’s Whole Living magazine. She has published 27 award-winning books, including internationally acclaimed cookbooks, and her work is enjoyed by readers worldwide. In addition, she has authored over 60 articles on healthy living and nutrition. Beyond her writing, Ying is a dedicated mentor and educator. She has taught writing workshops, spoken at major writers' conferences, and mentored emerging writers, guiding them to develop their craft and storytelling skills.

Established in 2000, the New Voices Award is given biennially to an unpublished writer of color or Native/Indigenous writer for a picture book manuscript.

Manuscripts may be FICTION, NON-FICTION, or POETRY for children ages 5 to 12. Manuscripts should address the needs of children of color or Native/Indigenous children by providing stories with which they can identify and relate, and which promote a greater understanding of one another. Themes relating to different family structures, gender identity, LGBTQ+ communities, or disabilities are also of interest.

The submission period for entry will begin on April 1, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time and will end on June 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

New Voices Award winners receive a standard publication contract, including Lee & Low Books’s basic royalties and an advance in the amount of $5,000.

Winners are also given close publishing mentorship as they work to develop their first book for publication. Nurturing manuscripts takes time, and Lee & Low’s commitment to this contest represents over two decades of dedication. We ask for the same commitment and courtesy from applicants. Please make sure you are able to abide by the eligibility and manuscript submission guidelines before entering.

https://www.leeandlow.com/authors-illustrators/writing-contests/new-voices-award/

Hey all!!

Recently I have given Book Talks to students and parents that can focus on Engaging Reluctant Readers, Diversify Your (home or school) Bookshelves, and Great and Engaging Books (for various ages/grades). They've been well received and participants leave with TONS of information (and quite a few win prizes). I do these in schools or libraries, but would love to be hired by companies as a 'Perk' for their employees who have children in their lives. So, using my 'Social Capital' (that's you all) to spread the word.

I also work with teachers to help find great books that fit (and expand) the curriculum (otherwise known as my idea of a good time).

Please feel free to spread the word and send people my way: sharonlevin @ mindspring.com

We now return to our regular programming.

I try (when I have time/energy/spoons) to visit store websites and pull event information. However, the best way to get your events in is to e-mail me directly with FOR THE NEWSLETTER as the subject line. There are over 2000 subscribers to this newsletter - plus it gets posted on Facebook, Twitter (I said what I said), BlueSky and my local NextDoor. I am happy to spread the word, it's just easier if 'the word' (not the religious one) comes directly to my inbox

I'm only as good as my sources, so please do feel free to share events, good news, etc.! Please e-mail me at sharonlevin at mindspring dot com and put For the Newsletter as your subject line.

I'm always happy to feature giveaways. There is NO paid advertising in this newsletter - I do not require anything to feature a giveaway. I'm just happy to do it.